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Coordinated Program Core Knowledge and Competencies for the RD

Domain 1. Scientific and Evidence Base of Practice

Integration of scientific information and research into practice.

Knowledge

  • KRDN 1.1 Demonstrate how to locate, interpret, evaluate and use professional literature to make ethical, evidence-based decisions.
  • KRDN 1.2 Select and use appropriate current information technologies to locate and apply evidence-based guidelines and protocols.
  • KRDN 1.3 Apply critical thinking skills.

Competencies

  • CRDN 1.1 Select indicators of program quality and/or customer service and measure achievement of objectives.
  • CRDN 1.2 Evaluate research and apply evidence-based guidelines, systematic reviews and scientific literature in nutrition and dietetics practice.
  • CRDN 1.3 Justify programs, products, services and care using appropriate evidence or data.
  • CRDN 1.4 Conduct projects using appropriate research or quality improvement methods, ethical procedures and data analysis utilizing current and/or new technologies.
  • CRDN 1.5 Incorporate critical-thinking skills in overall practice.
Domain 2. Professional Practice Expectations

Beliefs, values, attitudes and behaviors for the professional dietitian nutritionist level of practice.

Knowledge

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • KRDN 2.1 Demonstrate effective and professional oral and written communication and documentation.
  • KRDN 2.2 Describe the governance of nutrition and dietetics practice, such as the Scope of Practice for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and the Code of Ethics for the Profession of Nutrition and Dietetics.
  • KRDN 2.3 Assess the impact of a public policy position on nutrition and dietetics practice.
  • KRDN 2.4 Discuss the impact of health care policy and different health care delivery systems on food and nutrition services.
  • KRDN 2.5 Identify and describe the work of interprofessional teams and the roles of others with whom the registered dietitian nutritionist collaborates.
  • KRDN 2.6 Demonstrate cultural humility, awareness of personal biases and an understanding of cultural differences as they contribute to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • KRDN 2.7 Describe contributing factors to health inequity in nutrition and dietetics including structural bias, social inequities, health disparities and discrimination.
  • KRDN 2.8 Participate in a nutrition and dietetics professional organization and explain the significant role of the organization.
  • KRDN 2.9 Defend a position on issues impacting the nutrition and dietetics profession.

Competencies

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • CRDN 2.1 Practice in compliance with current federal regulations and state statutes and rules, as applicable, and in accordance with accreditation standards and the Scope of Practice for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Standards of Practice, Standards of Professional Performance, and Code of Ethics for the Profession of Nutrition and Dietetics.
  • CRDN 2.2 Demonstrate professional writing skills in preparing professional communications.
  • CRDN 2.3 Demonstrate active participation, teamwork and contributions in group settings.
  • CRDN 2.4 Function as a member of interprofessional teams.
  • CRDN 2.5 Work collaboratively with NDTRs and/or support personnel in other disciplines.
  • CRDN 2.6 Refer clients and patients to other professionals and services when needs are beyond individual scope of practice.
  • CRDN 2.7 Apply change management strategies to achieve desired outcomes.
  • CRDN 2.8 Demonstrate negotiation skills.
  • CRDN 2.9 Actively contribute to nutrition and dietetics professional and community organizations.
  • CRDN 2.10 Demonstrate professional attributes in all areas of practice.
  • CRDN 2.11 Show cultural humility in interactions with colleagues, staff, clients, patients and the public.
  • CRDN 2.12 Implement culturally sensitive strategies to address cultural biases and differences.
  • CRDN 2.13 Advocate for local, state or national legislative and regulatory issues or policies impacting the nutrition and dietetics profession.
Domain 3. Clinical and Customer Services

Development and delivery of information, products and services to individuals, groups, and populations.

Knowledge

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • KRDN 3.1 Use the Nutrition Care Process and clinical workflow elements to assess nutritional parameters, diagnose nutrition related problems, determine appropriate nutrition interventions, and develop plans to monitor the effectiveness of these interventions.
  • KRDN 3.2 Develop an educational session or program/educational strategy for a target population.
  • KRDN 3.3 Demonstrate counseling and education methods to facilitate behavior change and enhance wellness for diverse individuals and groups.
  • KRDN 3.4 Practice routine health screening assessments, including measuring blood pressure and conducting waived point-of-care laboratory testing (such as blood glucose or cholesterol).
  • KRDN 3.5 Describe concepts of nutritional genomics and how they relate to medical nutrition therapy, health and disease.
  • KRDN 3.6 Develop nutritionally sound meals, menus, and meal plans that promote health and disease management and meet client’s/patient’s needs.

Competencies

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • CRDN 3.1 Perform Medical Nutrition Therapy by utilizing the Nutrition Care Process including use of standardized nutrition terminology as a part of the clinical workflow elements for individuals, groups and populations of differing ages and health status, in a variety of settings.
  • CRDN 3.2 Conduct nutrition focused physical exams.
  • CRDN 3.3 Perform routine health screening assessments including measuring blood pressure, conducting waived point-of-care laboratory testing (such as blood glucose or cholesterol), recommending and/or initiating nutrition-related pharmacotherapy plans (such as modifications to bowel regimens, carbohydrate to insulin ratio, B12 or iron supplementation).
  • CRDN 3.4 Provide instruction to clients/patients for self-monitoring blood glucose considering diabetes medication and medical nutrition therapy plan.
  • CRDN 3.5 Explain the steps involved and observe the placement of nasogastric or nasoenteric feeding tubes; if available, assist in the process of placing nasogastric or nasoenteric feeding tubes.
  • CRDN 3.6 Conduct a swallow screen and refer to the appropriate health care professional for full swallow evaluation when needed.
  • CRDN 3.7 Demonstrate effective communication and documentation skills for clinical and client services in a variety of formats and settings, which include telehealth and other information technologies and digital media.
  • CRDN 3.8 Design, implement and evaluate presentations to a target audience.
  • CRDN 3.9 Develop nutrition education materials that are culturally and age appropriate and designed for the literacy level of the audience.
  • CRDN 3.10 Use effective education and counseling skills to facilitate behavior change.
  • CRDN 3.11 Develop and deliver products, programs or services that promote consumer health, wellness and lifestyle management.
  • CRDN 3.12 Deliver respectful, science-based answers to client/patient questions concerning emerging trends.
  • CRDN 3.13 Coordinate procurement, production, distribution and service of goods and services, demonstrating and promoting responsible use of resources.
  • CRDN 3.14 Develop and evaluate recipes, formulas and menus for acceptability and affordability that accommodate the cultural diversity and health needs of various populations, groups and individuals.
Domain 4. Practice Management and Use of Resources

Strategic application of principles of management and systems in the provision of services to individuals and organizations.

Knowledge

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • KRDN 4.1 Apply management theories to the development of programs or services.
  • KRDN 4.2 Evaluate a budget/financial management plan and interpret financial data.
  • KRDN 4.3 Demonstrate an understanding of the regulation system related to billing and coding, what services are reimbursable by third party payers and how reimbursement may be obtained.
  • KRDN 4.4 Apply the principles of human resource management to different situations.
  • KRDN 4.5 Apply safety and sanitation principles related to food, personnel and consumers.
  • KRDN 4.6 Explain the processes involved in delivering quality food and nutrition services.
  • KRDN 4.7 Evaluate data to be used in decision-making for continuous quality improvement.

Competencies

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • CRDN 4.1 Participate in management functions of human resources (such as training and scheduling).
  • CRDN 4.2 Perform management functions related to safety, security and sanitation that affect employees, clients, patients, facilities and food.
  • CRDN 4.3 Conduct clinical and client service quality management activities (such as quality improvement or quality assurance projects).
  • CRDN 4.4 Apply current information technologies to develop, manage and disseminate nutrition information and data.
  • CRDN 4.5 Analyze quality, financial and productivity data for use in planning.
  • CRDN 4.6 Propose and use procedures as appropriate to the practice setting to promote sustainability, reduce waste and protect the environment.
  • CRDN 4.7 Conduct feasibility studies for products, programs, or services with consideration of costs and benefits.
  • CRDN 4.8 Develop a plan to provide or develop a product, program or service that includes a budget, staffing needs, equipment and supplies.
  • CRDN 4.9 Explain the process for coding and billing for nutrition and dietetics services to obtain reimbursement from public or private payers, fee-for-service and value-based payment systems.
  • CRDN 4.10 Analyze risk in nutrition and dietetics practice (such as risks to achieving set goals and objectives, risk management plan, or risk due to clinical liability or foodborne illness).
Domain 5. Leadership and Career Management

Skills, strengths, knowledge and experience relevant to leadership potential and professional growth for the nutrition and dietetics practitioner.

Knowledge

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • KRDN 5.1 Perform self-assessment that includes awareness in terms of learning and leadership styles and cultural orientation and develop goals for self-improvement.
  • KRDN 5.2 Identify and articulate one’s skills, strengths, knowledge and experiences relevant to the position desired and career goals.
  • KRDN 5.3 Practice how to self-advocate for opportunities in a variety of settings (such as asking for support, presenting an elevator pitch).
  • KRDN 5.4 Practice resolving differences or dealing with conflict.
  • KRDN 5.5 Demonstrate the ability to resolve conflict.
  • KRDN 5.6 Demonstrate an understanding of the importance and expectations of a professional in mentoring and precepting others.

Competencies

  • CRDN 5.1 Perform self-assessment that includes awareness in terms of learning and leadership styles and cultural orientation and develop goals of self-improvement.
  • CRDN 5.2 Identify and articulate one’s skills, strengths, knowledge, and experiences relevant to the position desired and career goals.
  • CRDN 5.3 Prepare a plan for professional development according to Commission on Dietetic Registration guidelines.
  • CRDN 5.4 Advocate for opportunities in the professional settings (such as asking for additional responsibility, practicing negotiating a salary or wage or asking for a promotion).
  • CRDN 5.5 Demonstrate the ability to resolve conflict.
  • CRDN 5.6 Promote team involvement and recognize the skills of each member.
  • CRDN 5.7 Mentor others.
  • CRDN 5.8 Identify and articulate the value of precepting.